Sure Start

Every building matters

Client guide focusing on preparation for, and design of, children’s centres and other early years facilities.

Sure Start

In the last 10 years the Sure Start programme has transformed the delivery of integrated services and quality early learning to children and their families.

Children’s centres are crucial to the government’s 10 year strategy for childcare, Choice for parents, the best start for children, and are key to improving outcomes for children as part of the Every child matters agenda. By 2010 there will be 3,500 children’s centres, one in every community. We want centres to be accessible, welcoming, flexible, inspirational spaces.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) is the government’s advisor on architecture urban design and public space. CABE has worked in partnership with the former DfES and now DCSF since Sure Start’s inception. By providing advice guidance to partners involved in the delivery of children’s centres, CABE promotes good design, helping children’s centres to become the focus of the community.

This guide has been created with CABE for the next phase of delivery. Drawing on the lessons that local authorities and other key partners have learned and highlighting the importance of quality design, the guide focuses on both the preparation for, and the design of, a children’s centre and other early years facilities.